Untitled - Electric Scotland

370 LIKK OK ARCHBISHOP TAIT [CH. xiv.
the Anglican Communion, asking for specific infor
mation upon the disputed questions. His letter was as
follows :
" MY
" FULHAM
PALACE,
October 1866.
DEAR [LORD], It is probable that the connexion of the
Colonial Church with the Mother Church at home will next session
come under the serious consideration of Parliament. As circum
stances have very closely connected me with the difficult questions
likely to arise, I am desirous to be in possession of accurate in
formation as to the feelings of the members of the Colonial Church
direct from themselves. I trust, therefore, that you will excuse
me for asking you kindly to send me information on some points.
"
I desire very much to know what is your feeling, and what
you believe to be the feeling both of the clergy and of the laity
in your diocese, on the following points :
"
First- -The desirableness, or otherwise, of all Bishops in
British Colonies receiving their mission from the See of Canter
bury, and taking the oath of canonical obedience to the Arch
bishop.
"
Second Whether it is desirable that there should be an
appeal in graver cases from the judgments of Church Courts, or
decisions of Bishops or Synods in the Colonies, to any authority
at home; and, if so, (i) to what authority, (2) under what
restrictions ?
"
Third How far the Royal Supremacy, as acknowledged by
the United Church of England and Ireland, can be maintained
in our Colonial Churches.
"Fourth What seems the best guarantee for maintaining
unity of doctrine and discipline between the different scattered
branches of our Church in the Colonies.
"
If you are kind enough to answer this letter, may I request
you to do so on thick paper, and in such form as will best enable
me to circulate the answers amongst my episcopal brethren at
home*
"
I should be glad to do this, if possible, before or early in
the next session of Parliament.- -Your faithful brother in Christ,
"
A. C. LONDON."
In the course of the next few months the Bishop